Michael East [or Easte, Est, Este] (ca.1580 – 1648)
was an English organist and composer. He was a nephew
of London music publisher Thomas East (ca.
1540–1608), although it was once thought that he was
his son.
In 1601, East wrote a madrigal that was accepted by
Thomas Morley for publication in his collection The
Triumphs of Oriana. In 1606, he received a Bachelor of
Music degree from the University of Cambridge and in
1609 he joined the choir of Ely Cathedral, initially as
a lay cl...(+)
Michael East [or Easte, Est, Este] (ca.1580 – 1648)
was an English organist and composer. He was a nephew
of London music publisher Thomas East (ca.
1540–1608), although it was once thought that he was
his son.
In 1601, East wrote a madrigal that was accepted by
Thomas Morley for publication in his collection The
Triumphs of Oriana. In 1606, he received a Bachelor of
Music degree from the University of Cambridge and in
1609 he joined the choir of Ely Cathedral, initially as
a lay clerk. By 1618 he was employed by Lichfield
Cathedral, where he worked as a choirmaster, probably
until 1644, when the Civil War brought an end to sung
services. Elias Ashmole was a chorister at Lichfield,
and later recalled that "Mr Michael East … was my
tutor for song and Mr Henry Hinde, organist of the
Cathedral … taught me on the virginals and
organ".
East's exact date of death is not known, but he died at
Lichfield. His will was written on 7 January 1648 and
proved on 9 May 1648. It mentions his wife Dorothy,
daughter Mary Hamersly, and a son and grandson both
named Michael.
His most highly regarded works are his five-part
fantasies for viols: Thurston Dart is quoted as saying,
"despite some slipshod part-writing, they are among the
best five-part consorts of the time".
Source: Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_East_(composer))
.
Although originally composed for Choir (SSA), I created
this Interpretation of "How Merrily we Live" for
Woodwind Trio (Flute, Oboe & Bassoon).
